Beyond Repentance

The kingdom of God, first preached by John the Baptist, thereafter by Jesus and the disciples involves much more than just salvation and repentance from dead works. The vast majority of Christians never progress beyond accepting Jesus as their Savior. They have been deceived into believing that the road already ends at the start. Very few ever find the Narrow Gate and enter into the Kingdom of God.

Modern day preaching seldom goes beyond repentance from sin. Emphasis is on salvation and the promise of eternal life, a cheap insurance package against eternity in hell. That falls way short of Jesus’ call for discipleship.

Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily and follow Him. The disciples followed Jesus for three and half years that He taught them His ways. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide them after He ascended to heaven. The Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost. The promise was for all who would believe in Jesus. (Acts 2:38)

All believers are called to discipleship, to be servants in the Kingdom of God. When we believe in Jesus we accept Him as Lord and invite Him into our hearts. We turn away from sin and give up our own plans, dedicate our lives to Jesus. The Holy Spirit will guide us into righteousness and obedience to Jesus. The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, that soft voice, that speaks to us urging us to do what pleases Jesus. We need to constantly obey, and seek Jesus in prayer.

The Holy Spirit will teach us as Jesus taught the disciples. Once we have learned obedience the Holy Spirit will guide us into fruitful works. Jesus Himself is the Head of the body of Christ, His kingdom. His disciples are members of the Body and they are guided by the Holy Spirit to do the works of the Body of Christ. Those who are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:12).

Very few believers progress to the stage where they become sons of God. The majority never get into a relationship with Jesus. They become involved in church activities or turn away and go back to their former lifestyles. Sadly, very few will enter the Kingdom of heaven because the never really got to know Jesus. He will say to many in that day: Go away, I never knew you.